The Ministry of Health held its media briefing on Sunday at the JW Marriott Hotel in Muscat, under the auspices of Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, and in the presence of the under-secretaries, several officials and members of the media. The ministry highlighted its key achievements in 2025 and outlined strategic plans for 2026 within the framework of Oman Vision 2040.
Dr Al Sabti affirmed that 2025 marked a pivotal year in the health sector, stating: “What has been achieved in 2025 reflects the extent of transformation in Oman’s health sector, not only in infrastructure but also in the quality of services and localisation of advanced medical technologies.”
He added, “Performing the first heart transplant in the Sultanate of Oman represents a historic milestone in empowering national competencies and enhancing self-sufficiency in specialised therapeutic services.”
The minister further emphasised that the coming phase will focus on deepening digital transformation and expanding the use of artificial intelligence technologies. He stressed, “We are committed to implementing Oman Vision 2040 objectives through a resilient and sustainable health system based on good governance and investment in human capital.”
In this context, Dr Ahmed bin Salim al Mandhari, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health for Planning and Health Regulation, highlighted that the expansion of specialised services in referral hospitals has positively impacted performance indicators, noting: “Hospitals have witnessed a significant expansion in specialised services, which has reflected positively on reducing waiting times and improving the quality of care provided to patients.”
He confirmed that the ministry is moving forward with developing an integrated healthcare model focused on patient safety and operational efficiency.
Meanwhile, Dr Salem bin Mohammed al Maamari underlined that digital transformation is a strategic priority, stating: “Digital transformation is no longer optional but a necessity, and we have made great strides in linking health institutions electronically and enhancing virtual services.” He added that the next phase will rely more on data-driven planning and health indicator analysis to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of the health system.
Dr Bader bin Said al Aufi emphasised that effective resource management has contributed to tangible financial savings, explaining: “Prudent management of budgets and tenders has enabled the ministry to enhance pharmaceutical security and support national companies, thereby strengthening the financial sustainability of the sector.”
Dr Fatma bint Mohammed al Ajmi, Executive President of the Oman Medical Specialty Board and Chairperson of the Health Sector Workforce Governance Committee, noted that the ministry focuses on promoting decentralised planning within a framework of central governance, coordinating with each governorate to study health needs and analyse gaps between supply and demand, ensuring efficient and equitable resource distribution based on accurate data. She added that the plan also aims to maintain sustainable health indicators through regulated procedures, strengthened regulatory frameworks, and policy alignment with demographic and epidemiological changes to ensure balanced development across all governorates of Oman.
The briefing concluded with a reaffirmation of ongoing health projects and the inauguration of several hospitals and health centres across the governorates, aimed at enhancing health coverage, bringing services closer to citizens and residents, and raising the readiness of health institutions to the highest standards, keeping pace with population growth and meeting community aspirations.
Source:
Oman Observer
